Jute mills face curbs on unauthorised imports from Bangladesh, Nepal

India's jute mill owners, who circumvent guidelines to source jute from the two countries, will face imprisonment for one year and also have their property forfeited under Essential Commodities Act

The Office of the Jute Commissioner has imposed stern curbs on unauthorized imports of raw jute from Bangladesh and Nepal.

India's jute mill owners, who circumvent the guidelines to source jute from the two countries, will face imprisonment for one year and also have their property forfeited under Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

A recent report by the Union textiles ministry points out that the competitiveness of the domestic jute industry has been eroded by cost advantage polices pursued by the Bangladesh government and lukewarm efforts by the Indian jute manufacturers.

Bangladesh's jute mills enjoy 15-20 per cent cost advantage due